Jennifer Hannibal
Meditation has always been a significant part of my life. It helped me to create change in a life filled with chronic pain. MBSR specifically gave me the tools, as a student, to start to thrive, instead of just survive, in a world where the medical system was offering me very little hope.
My first degree was in Complementary Therapy- specialising in Shiatsu. This comprehensive honours degree had me studying many factors of Chinese & Western holistic medicine, alongside massage and westernised counselling methods.
During my travels in my later 20s, I encountered and explored countless contemplative traditions. It was in 2017 during a Vipassana Retreat in Java that clarity struck and I knew she wanted to pass on the gift of meditation.
In 2024 I graduated with a Master’s degree specialising in Teaching Mindfulness based Stress Reduction from the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University, Wales. Since then I have facilitated Mindfulness- based Stress Reduction though courses, private sessions and retreats in the workplace and community.
Knowing the power and living the wisdom of feminine practices, cyclical living and honouring my Celtic shamanic heritage; these essential facets of my personal practice emerge naturally and intuitively into my services. Menstrual Cycle Awareness (MCA) as a spiritual practice has changed my life just as significantly as meditation did in my 20s. Wishing I knew then what I know now, I pass on this knowledge through an offering called ‘Womb Sadhana’.
To practice being ‘Mind-full’ as opposed to ‘Mind-less’, is a skill we cultivate by developing awareness. ‘Mindlessness’ can be seen as sloppy attention to the details of our lives, but as we deepen our focus and pay attention to the present moment we can ‘wake up’ from autopilot and move back into the driving seat.
Waking up is not just the business of ‘awakened’ beings, but the business of everyone. We have all experienced a moment of clarity or insight, whether sitting on a meditation cushion, getting in the ocean, walking the dog or simply drinking a cup of tea.
In taking a mindful approach to our inner nature; sensations, thoughts and feelings, we craft a new relationship with ourselves. We become a valuable friend that can observe and guide us through the weather of our lives with skill and grace.
In practising mindfulness we learn tools and techniques that empower us to be mentally hygienic.
Everybody is born with awareness, the practice of meditation helps us to cultivate access to it.
Since the turn of the 20th century, we have known about the importance being physically hygienic; but how about our mental hygiene? Just like our bodies, our minds need training to function at their best.
My intention is to teach you the tools to keep yourself mentally hygienic.
My offering to you is an evidence based mindfulness practice that will empower you to have an active and powerful role in your wellbeing.
Practicing mindfulness will cultivate an awareness that enables you to remain focused, make skilful decisions, have skilful interactions, befriend yourself and align with your core values.
Sustainable change happens from the inside out.